No 70, May 2010 Contents The "Autumn Classics" 2010 The "Autumn Classics" 2010 1 by Keith Griffin NOW OPEN - Valley 4 Cycleway In recent years, during the famous European "Spring Classics" cycling season, an Diary Date: Bike North AGM increasing number of Bike North riders has been taking part in a parallel antipodean 4 Sunday 15th August series of Bike North Autumn Classics. Our series is unofficial, much less Not quite there yet... 5 competitive and includes several events not organised by Bike North. New! City of Cycleways 6 In fact the Autumn Classics are so unofficial as to include different events for different people, but the main ones seem to be Loop the Lake, Tour de Hills, Tour Opportunity to Cycle Sulawesi 6 de Cowra, Blayney to Bathurst Cyclosportif, Bike North Century Challenge, and Calendar perhaps the Great Hunter Cycle Challenge. While only two of these are Bike North Other Editions events, they are the two which get the greatest numbers of Bike North members participating each year. Editor:Jennifer Gilmore Importantly, each of these events is designed to encourage cyclists of all levels Production:Keith Griffin (perhaps not novice riders) to participate, which may help explain the large numbers taking part. The views expressed in Chain Mail articles are This year, as always, I was dreading the most difficult of these events, the BNCC. I those of the authors only and do not necessarily represent either the common realised some months out from the event that I would need to decide either to views shared by a majority of Bike North prepare well, or opt for a nice relaxing day sitting in a chair reading a book and members, or Bike North policy as formulated handing out jelly beans to tired cyclists at a checkpoint. Given that Fran was very by the Bike North Executive Committee. keen to ride, and she was not really sure with whom she could team up, my choice was made for me. We were unable to get away to do Loop the Lake, and I heard the next day that many Bike North riders who had intended to ride did not due to significantly bad weather. We've never done Tour de Hills and again it fell on a day when we would not be able to ride. Therefore we began some training on our own: we started doing more rides, Thursday evening training was reborn and our weekend rides moved to harder and longer ones where possible. What I should explain at this point is that not only had we decided to enter the Blayney to Bathurst short course (B2B, 70kms) but Fran had decided to enter the NSW Hill climb championship with a climb up Mt Panorama (using a service road, very steep!) and we were also volunteers to assist with the electronic timing equipment at the B2B weekend. The weekend before would be Tour de Cowra, and thus provide excellent final training with 4 days of good rides, a day off and then a few easier rides on our own before moving to Bathurst on the Friday afternoon. Our lead up training to TdC worked well and we both felt pretty good. But best of all was the large number of people taking part in TdC and having a great time. Several did their longest ever day ride, some were recent Bike for Life graduates and were now out doing 80 kms rides in the country! Others were keen to find the best coffee shop in Canowindra, or sink a pint at the pub après ride. The excellent weather helped. A sea of Bike North riders in Cowra Next Page

Choose an article No 70, May 2010

Everyone joined in the "Jersey Days" with great spirit. On day 2 we had world champions, Tour de France leaders, Kings of the mountains and Paris to Dakar by Bike veterans. Day 3 saw the largest number of Bike North jersey wearing riders ever assembled. A few of the many wonderful contributions to the Silly Jersey day included Cats in the Hat, a crash test dummy, a skeleton, and the now familiar Pinarello Princesses complete with tiaras.

A good breakfast is essential before a ride

The advice always proffered for these events is "get into a good peloton and stick with them". Previously I had tried this and over exerted myself too early, so this year I decided to ignore everyone else and ride at my own pace. To my delight I found that no-one was passing me, and I was passing many riders. Fran, a little further back, was having a similar experience.

He's been losing weight lately

With TdC over we took a day off, then did dome relatively easy rides for the next few days, not wanting to have tired legs for the B2B. Fran's hill climb was up early-ish on the Saturday, but not nearly as early as we were up and about setting up equipment at Mt Panorama for the hill climb and the criterium races. Fran did really well in the hill climb and now has a medal to prove it. Next day was another early start to drive to Blayney and set up the equipment at the starting line, watch the long course (110km) riders leave and then wait until our luxuriously late 10 am start. It had been raining until just after the long course riders departed. The weather almost immediately turned for the better and took our spirits and resolve with it. At 10 am we were riding relaxing in Canowindra toward Bathurst the long but very scenic way. During the ride we were both so grateful for the skills we I had not prepared myself mentally for this at all, partly have learned in Bike North. There we very few other riders because it was not very long, and partly because I was out on course who knew how to ride in a rolling pace line, concentrating on the work we had been doing with very few who know how to spin up hills and few who could equipment for the events. descend well. Bike North had an outstanding day with at least ten riders in the event, each achieving an excellent finishing time. Previous Page Next Page Page 2

Choose an article No 70, May 2010

Advocacy 101 A letter to Bike North from a new member

I am writing to share my experience with Bike North advocacy meetings… Simply, I just turned up for one of the meetings just to see what they do and how they go about it. I found it was quite serious but friendly, everyone was engaged in one project or another – it was nice to see the support that everyone gave to each other. What I did not know at first was the commitment that others had given to some of the projects On the starting line of B2B that have been ongoing for several years – gaining little wins along the way. After a couple of meetings I eventually put I remained calm, but still dreaded the final pinnacle of my my hand up to assist with one of the festivals. Autumn Classics, the BNCC 165 km ride. Fran and I would ride with Doug Stewart, who we knew would be cruising The experience was good and I was able to share my while we struggled. Once again, sensible preparation experience promoting BN (from a new membersʼ combined with skills and experience gained in Bike North perspective) with people who dropped in at the stall. I gave came to the fore and we finished with our best ever average out some pamphlets, answered questions and asked others speed (Doug could have done it faster, but hey) for that in the stall for assistance if the questions became too distance. Best of all, we felt good at the end. I am usually a technical for me to answer. I was asked to assist for a few wreck for at least two days after the BNCC and this time I hours and ended up staying for the afternoon. At the end of recovered very quickly and was back out training on the the day, I came away feeling good that I had participated. I following Tuesday. have since assisted in several stalls and every now and then it is nice to hear someone on a ride say that they met me at a stall and took my advice to “come along to one of the BN rides”. I am currently assisting in a project to obtain bike parking at my local shops, visiting the site (with an experienced committee member) and identifying locations for the placing of bike racks and the drafting a submission. I have been part of the committee now for 6 or 7 months, I am enjoying the camaraderie in being part of an active team, working together to get things done for our area, not just for BN but also for my community and other riders passing through. All those little successes join together to eventually make big advances for cycling. It was also eye opening to see several of our local Councils asking for our assistance in matters relating to cycling which reinforces that BN is a respected group in our area, so I am pleased to be part of it. So come along to one of the meetings - bring your positive attitude - you will find people who are happy to have you join Fran takes the corner in Newbridge on B2B the team, a cup of tea, coffee and biscuits. If you want to be involved in a project, know that you wonʼt be thrown in at the If you've not done any of the Autumn Classics, give it a go. deep end but you will be mentored into a project. You will Try one next year, and then move to doing more the enjoy the experience. following year. Certainly it takes some planning and training, but the rewards of so much great cycling in such scenic Regards, places are great, and the camaraderie among the Bike North Maria Boros participants in these events is extraordinary. There is so much free advice, help and information available from experienced riders in Bike North. Use this resource, observe how people ride and what they say at the coffee stop. Ask questions. See you at the Autumn Classics next year! Previous Page Next Page Page 3

Choose an article No 70, May 2010

NOW OPEN - Parramatta Valley Cycleway By David Edwards

The section of the Parramatta Valley Cycleway (PVC) on the eastern side of is now officially opened. This section of the path, between the old Naval Stores and the , has been closed for a number of years. For much of this time, the notices at each end giving an opening date were regularly “updated” and finally disappeared, with this section of the PVC remaining firmly closed. Bike North member Brian Willis has been very active in lobbying local Federal MP Maxine McKew in relation to this path, and at last he was successful. With minimal notice, he was advised that the path would be officially opened by Maxine at 10am on Thursday 15 April 2010.

David Edwards, Brian Willis and Keith Griffin from Bike North with Federal MP Maxine McKew.

It is now possible to cycle from the ferry terminal at Kissing Point to the Bridge in Parramatta, with detours along Hope Street in Rydalmere and South Street in Ermington the only on road detours. Diary Date: Bike North AGM Sunday 15th August

Maxine McKew attempting to open the gates with some As the AGM is always the third Sunday in August, that small bolt cutters. Fortunately a key for the lock was makes it the 15th. Stay tuned for more info on: available. rides that will end at the AGM; A quick round of emails rounded up a number of Bike North members to attend the official opening. After some brief and lucky door prizes for members. speeches from the representative of the local community association and from Maxine, the locked gates were officially opened and access to the path provided to walkers, runners and cyclists.

Brian Willis finally opening the gate. Note that the keen runner is already christening the path!

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Choose an article No 70, May 2010

Not quite there yet... Barangaroo site Sydney CBD (Cycling infrastructure – outside Bike Northʼs patch) From time to time Bike North is asked to provide advocacy contribution to projects outside our area, but that have North Strathfield regional connections. Barangaroo is a large brown-fill site in a main harbour location. In keeping with the harbour On an Epping- foreshore promenade policy, development will be set back Strathfield from the water's edge allowing a public space accessible to easy ride – walkers and cyclists. The foreshore area is now open to the those who public with gates on Towns Place at the northern end and arrived at the currently Hickson road at the southern end. The southern start were a entrance will extend to the meet the King street wharf in small group of March or April when the Sydney Ports site will be included experienced in the foreshore promenade. The intention is for cycling on riders, so with the foreshore at Barangaroo to be recreational with the their higher speed/commuting route to remain along Hickson road. permission we picked up the pace a little and use the extra time to check out some new cycling infrastructure. Pomeroy Canal path, North Strathfield. What we discovered was a path to nowhere (just yet). Funded through Strathfield Council and a Dept. of Planning 'Sharing Sydney Harbour (SSH)' grant. Though it is a bit of a stretch to say it has harbour views. Fortunately Strathfield Council has since got a second round of SSH funding to match their contribution to complete the path. The path will link to the Olympic Park paths at Pomaroy Street to North Strathfield town centre (Bakers Quarter and station), from there an on-road route takes you The Barangaroo Development Authority initially asked BN for to Homebush. comment on a proposed (inadequate) pedestrian/cyclist access map to go on their web site. So to provide a detailed PS: Thank you written response we suggested a ʻsaddle surveyʼ (e.g. ride for the the space to comment on route connections, directional willingness of signs, surface etc.) The City of Sydney cycling map is now a my fellow link on the Barangaroo website as the cycling route riders to go resource. The space is sufficient to have separate space for exploring after walkers, joggers and cyclists, even allowing for the the original commercial / residential development on the site. Directional end of the signage is to be installed in March / April and will include ride. As a indicating directions to the Harbour Bridge cycle access – result, future which were not initially included. You can check out the 'Northern Line location on Bike North rides such as Bays and Bridges, Note the bridge load: not sure there was Coaster' rides ever a 4-ton bike! An example of over Wharves and Providores. engineering – built for council trucks to will extend to access / build the path, but it increases the include riding construction cost of path building. through Rookwood and and return to finish at Rhodes station to catch the train back up the hill, remaining an easy grade at 22km.

Bicycle advocates from City of Sydney, Bike Sydney and BNSW on the saddle survey, project representatives in the golf cart.

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Choose an article No 70, May 2010

New! City of Sydney Opportunity to Cycle Cycleways Sulawesi Dear Fellow Bike North riders, Bourke Rd, Mandible St and Bowden St Would you like to join me on a ride Iʼve organized on the By Alison Pryor Indonesian island of Sulawesi, the crablike island north of Bali? Some Bike North riders (along with some from Liverpool Trip dates are: July 3–12 2010. It's 525 km in 9 days (with BUG) recently checked out the new City cycling facilities on 6 cycle days of an average of about 85km per day). Iʼve a ride out to Botany Bay. (Thanks to Russell from LiveBUG planned the trip with riders whoʼve prepared themselves in for the photos). mind. The ride is on quiet back roads following a scenic These are two way cycle-only facilities – it pays to have a mountain route so on five of the six cycle days the route will look cycling maps – to check the best locations to join the contain serious ascents. As well as a great ride there will be cycle facilities. There are on road routes from the northern genuine cultural immersion in Indonesian life. end of Redfern station and once the renovations in Prince Cost is US$1299 - with discount available for Bike North Alfred Park are finished there will be a safe route through to members. The price includes most things including support Central station. The southern end has an on-road route to vehicle and bike mechanic but it doesn't include your flight to join up with Coward St Mascot, where the cycle path on the Indonesia, bike (BYO) and parts. north side of the Airport starts. There are four places left. While fast, sporting style cyclists would get more speed up on the main section of the road (the green paths curve For me, this trip is not a money making venture. Itʼs an around each bus stop and requires watching for vehicles opportunity to do what I love doing and to share it with turning so going flat out is not recommended) they are others. functional for cycling on and certainly increase the More details here. perception of safety by being separate from cars. The prime target is local and commuting transport. If you're interested please call or sms me on 0416 944 202. The green sections of road are part of the City of Sydneyʼs Regards, efforts at cultural change about bikes – seeing them as an Colin Freestone excellent form of local transport. As well as the large investment in on-the-ground facilities such as separated cycle lanes, cycle parking rails and rings, there is also a concerted effort in community education including free cycling skills programs and maps. The cycling section of their web can be found here . On the City of Sydney website they claim that:

Alexandria and Beaconsfield have the second highest percentage of residents cycling to work in the City of Sydney. The new separated cycleways on Bourke Road, Bowden and Mandible Streets will give local bike riders a connection from southern Alexandria to Green Square. A separated cycleway is part of the road but is physically separated from cars by a raised median to protect bike riders. Standard road rules apply to bike riders using a separated cycleway. The Bourke Road cycleway and the Bourke Street cycleway (currently under construction) will create a seven kilometre bike corridor between southern parts of the City and the City centre.

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Choose an article No 70, May 2010

Calendar, June 2010 – July 2010

Note Risk Warning What to Bring Ride Conditions All ride As a participant in this dangerous A bicycle in good The rides are graded Easy, Easy- participants are recreational activity, you may be working order Medium, Medium, Medium-Hard or requested to exposing yourself to a significant Hard depending on factors such as SAA approved bicycle arrive at least 15 risk of harm. Bike North, the ride terrain, pace, traffic level and number of helmet minutes prior to organisers and leaders wish to warn regroup points. Differences between the scheduled you of the risks and hazards that Water: 1 litre per hour grades can mean significant additional ride start time (to are an inherent part of cycling, and of riding physical and riding capability is required get ready / to take care to prevent putting by riders. Conditions can vary dressed, get yourself, your fellow participants Snacks unexpectedly on a ride due to weather bikes out of and/or others into danger. By Money conditions. Please choose a ride that is cars, check signing this form, you accept the suitable to your own fitness level and bikes and sign warning as to risk, and you agree to A pump, repair kit and riding experience. Please always check on) at the ride in a safe and responsible spare tubes with the ride leader before coming on a designated manner and to obey all Australian For night rides, have ride that you haven't done before or if departure point. Road Rules. Adult carers must sign lights fitted with you are tackling a ride at a harder this waiver for any riders under 16 batteries charged for grade than you would normally do. yrs of age. at least 4 hrs of riding.

Date Ride Information 1/6/2010 BN Contact: [email protected] Tuesday Executive Starts at: 19:30:00. . All members welcome to attend our monthly Executive meetings. The venue is School of Arts Meeting Community Centre Hall Meeting Room 201 Cox's Road North Ryde. Walk down the walkway between the Community Centre and the Commonwealth Bank - the meeting room is part way along the right hand side of the building and up the 2nd ramp. Come and see how Bike North is run. Enjoy the fun of the meeting, and get a feel for what goes on behind the scenes.

2/6/2010 Bays & Grade: Easy Medium Distance: 35 Pace: special pace relaxed Contact: Bob Chambers 9449 9112 Wednesday Foreshores Starts at: 08:30:00. Meadowbank Wharf. Ride to , then follow the bays & foreshores around to Concord for coffee.

5/6/2010 Further Grade: Hard Distance: 85 Pace: fast pace Contact: Peter Tuft 9144 1325 Saturday Beyond Starts at: 00:00:00. Turramurra Station, East side. Ride via back roads to Palm Beach, ferry across Broken Bay, superb Barrenjoey scenery around Kilcare, Gosford and Brisbane Water. Train from Woy Woy. Call to confirm. Call to confirm, so we know numbers for the ferry

5/6/2010 Beyond Grade: Medium Hard Distance: 60 Pace: relaxed pace Contact: Robyn Tuft 9144 1325 Saturday Barrenjoey Starts at: 00:00:00. Turramurra Station, East side. Ride via back roads to Palm Beach, ferry across Broken Bay, superb scenery around Kilcare. Train from Woy Woy. Some hills, small dirtroad section, relaxed pace. Call to confirm Call to confirm, so we know numbers for the ferry

5/6/2010 Epping - Grade: Easy Medium Distance: 37 Pace: relaxed pace Contact: Alison Pryor 9874 2383 Saturday Chatswood Starts at: 08:00:00. Epping Station, East side. Using the key cycle transport routes between Epping and Chatswood. Predominantly cycle paths with some sections on local streets. The route is undulating so is a good introduction to adding hills and includes some town centre riding. The ride will end at Chatswood railway. Catch the train back, or stay and shop in Chatswood, or make your own way back.

5/6/2010 Olympic Grade: Easy Distance: 25 Pace: special pace relaxed Contact: Doug Stewart 9874 5594 Saturday Park Ride Starts at: 09:00:00. Meadowbank Wharf. Loop around with a coffee stop. Suitable for beginners and children OVER 12 accompanied by an adult carer.

6/6/2010 Brooklyn Grade: Hard Distance: 90 Pace: brisk pace Contact: Darryn Capes-Davis 0406 380 862 Sunday Brunch Starts at: 07:15:00. Eastwood Station, East side. Ride Bobbin Head, then Brooklyn for brunch. Return via Hornsby & Turramurra. Fit, experienced riders only. We will turn around at the river and ride back to Pie in the Sky for coffee rather than going into Brooklyn

6/6/2010 Lane Cove Grade: Easy Distance: 17 Pace: gentle pace Contact: Ian Meller 0419 621 848 Sunday Village Ride Starts at: 08:00:00. Lane Cove Plaza (corner Burns Bay & Longueville Roads). Loop ride through Lane Cove, Bicentennial Reserve, Artarmon and Chatswood. Passes site of Lane Cove community garden and Stringybark Creek. Uses Epping Road and Gore Hill cycle paths and quieter cycle access routes to adjoining suburbs.

8/6/2010 Ryde Contact: [email protected] Tuesday Hunters Hill Starts at: 19:30:00. . Advocacy at work. Good tea and coffee. Good company. A meeting for cyclists in the Ryde area is Meeting held on the second Tuesday of each month. If you have something to say, something to ask for, want to help, or just want updates, come along. Join in to ''make cycling better'' in Ryde. All welcome. Venue : Eastwood Women's Rest Centre, Hillview Rd Eastwood. (Near the station and just behind the Library.)

8/6/2010 Ku-ring-gai Contact: Bob Chambers, 9449 9112 Tuesday Working Starts at: 19:30:00. . venue is 9 Greenhill Crescent St Ives. All Bike North members welcome, esp. those who live or Group work in Ku-ring-gai. meeting

12/6/2010 Pie in the Grade: Medium Distance: 40 Pace: moderate pace Contact: Evan Hawthorne 0409 606 853 Saturday Sky Starts at: 08:00:00. Hornsby Park, opposite Coronation St, near pool. Ride along Old Pacific Hwy to cafe overlooking Brooklyn with great views. Back track to Hornsby. Moderate hills. 12/6/2010 East Sydney Grade: Easy Distance: 25 Pace: gentle pace Contact: Alison Pryor 9874 2383 Saturday Art Starts at: 09:00:00. North Sydney station. Ride on cyclways through inner city Pyrmont and tourist areas to see Art works. Bike lock and non cleated footwear recommended. Lots of stops. Return to North Sydney Visits will be to Object Gallery (Studio Glass) and State Library (100 Exhibition - Aust history objects). Free entry.

13/6/2010 Hills and Grade: Hard Distance: 80 Pace: special pace fast Contact: Malcolm Hart 9713 1994 Sunday Surfside Starts at: 07:30:00. Eastwood Station, East side. Ride to Pymble, St Ives, Oxford Falls & Narrabeen. Return via Warriewood, Church Point, Terrey Hills & Turramurra. Fit & experienced riders only.

13/6/2010 City Grade: Medium Distance: 50 Pace: special pace relaxed Contact: Alan Corven 0414 538 977 Sunday Boomerang Starts at: 08:00:00. Epping Station, East side. A ride to the city from NW Sydney using popular commute routes on both sides of the harbour. Few regroups, some traffic and hills.

13/6/2010 Whale of a Grade: Medium Distance: 60 Pace: relaxed pace Contact: Eric Middleton 99582546 Sunday Time Starts at: 07:30:00. Bestic St car park, Brighton-le-sands. Brighton-le-sands over Capt Cook Bridge to Kurnell and Cape Solander. Wend our way round to Cronulla, returning a similar way. Refuelling stop included.

14/6/2010 Footloose in Grade: Medium Distance: 60 Pace: moderate pace Contact: Malcolm Hart 9713 1994 Monday the Foothills Starts at: 09:00:00. MacQuade Park (Tebbutt St) Windsor. Very scenic ride through Grose Valley, Kurrajong and Freemans Reach

15/6/2010 Lane Cove Contact: [email protected] Tuesday Working Starts at: 20:00:00. . Lets make cycling better in Lane Cove. Come along and let us know about your issues, come Group make suggestions, offer to help or just keep up to date on whats happening locally. All very welcome. 2 Albert St, Greenwich NSW 2065.

16/6/2010 Mirambeena Grade: Medium Distance: 72 Pace: relaxed pace Contact: Bob Chambers 9449 9112 Wednesday Magic Starts at: 08:30:00. Meadowbank Wharf. Head west along the PVC and the M4 cycleway (under M4) to visit the picturesque lakes of Mirambeena Regional Park at Lansdowne and on to Liverpool Plaza

19/6/2010 The Big Grade: Easy Medium Distance: 50 Pace: relaxed pace Contact: Darryn Capes-Davis 0406 380 862 Saturday Loop - Starts at: 07:30:00. Eastwood Station, West side. Ride to M2, Winston Hills. Down to Parramatta for coffee. Return via Tortoise M4 c/p to Meadowbank & uphill to Eastwood.

19/6/2010 A to C and Grade: Medium Distance: 30 Pace: relaxed pace Contact: Graeme Edwards 9436 0969 Saturday Back Starts at: 08:00:00. Artarmon Station, East side. Hilly ride to Balmoral and Middle Head. After coffee at Chowder Bay return to Artarmon.

20/6/2010 North to Grade: Hard Distance: 91 Pace: brisk pace Contact: Doug Stewart 9874 5594 Sunday West Head Starts at: 07:00:00. Eastwood Station, East side. Hilly ride via Browns w/h, Terrey Hills, West Head, Akuna Bay (coffee). Return a similar route.

20/6/2010 Concord for Grade: Easy Distance: 28 Pace: gentle pace Contact: Debbie Edwards 9436 0969 Sunday Cake Starts at: 08:00:00. Meadowbank Wharf. Ride along the PVC over Silverwater bridge to Olympic Park, then on to Concord for coffee. Return a different way.

22/6/2010 North Contact: Caroline Minogue [email protected] Tuesday Sydney Starts at: 19:00:00. . Geddes Room, North Sydney Council. All Bike North members welcome. Working Group

26/6/2010 Parramatta Grade: Easy Medium Distance: 35 Pace: relaxed pace Contact: Doug Stewart 9874 5594 Saturday Park Parade Starts at: 08:30:00. Meadowbank Wharf. Ride along the PVC to Parramatta Park. Do a lap or two of the park before coffee, then return via M4 c/p.

27/6/2010 Banana Pie Grade: Medium Hard Distance: 67 Pace: moderate pace Contact: Fran Griffin 0414 187 427 Sunday Starts at: 08:00:00. Turramurra Station, East side. Practise your descending and climbing going both ways through Bobbin Head, and visiting Pie in the Sky. Cancelled if raining

27/6/2010 Longreef Grade: Medium Hard Distance: 50 Pace: gentle pace Contact: Ian Meller 0419 621 848 Sunday Lookout Starts at: 08:00:00. St Leonards Station, concourse. Ride with significant hills, mostly on back roads,through to the Spit,Wakehurst Parkway and Beacon Hill to Long Reef Lookout. Return south alongcoast through Balgowlah, The Spit to start. (About 1km loose unsea Bring a snack to have at the lookout if desired.

30/6/2010 Naremburn Grade: Easy Medium Distance: 46 Pace: relaxed pace Contact: Bob Chambers 9449 9112 Wednesday to Cronulla Starts at: 07:30:00. Naremburn Shops, Willoughby Rd and Rohan St. An interesting ride across Sydney using mostly quiet roads and Cycleways. Lunch in Cronulla before catching train home.

3/7/2010 Cowan Calga Grade: Medium Hard Distance: 52 Pace: brisk pace Contact: Keith Griffin 0434 496 299 Saturday Starts at: 08:30:00. Cowan Station. Ride through magnificent Hawkesbury River valley on quiet roads. Return with a stop for coffee.

3/7/2010 Cowan to Grade: Medium Distance: 52 Pace: moderate pace Contact: Fran Griffin 0414 187 427 Saturday Calga for Starts at: 08:15:00. Cowan Station. Ride through magnificent Hawkesbury River valley on quiet roads. Return with a Women stop for coffee. Women only.

3/7/2010 Breakfast Grade: Easy Distance: 17 Pace: gentle pace Contact: Darryn Capes-Davis 0406 380 862 Saturday Point Punt Starts at: 09:00:00. Meadowbank Wharf. Cross Parramatta river on Bridge , ride through Rhodes and Concord West through to Cabarita Ferry Wharf then Breakfast Point for coffee. Cross the river on the Putney Punt and return to Meadowbank on the riverfront route.

4/7/2010 Park to park Grade: Medium Distance: 50 Pace: relaxed pace Contact: Fran Griffin 0414 187 427 Sunday Starts at: 08:30:00. Macquarie University Station, Uni side of Herring Rd. Ride from Macquarie Uni to Lane Cove National Park, then across to Homebush Bay for coffee at Newington. Return by a different route.

6/7/2010 BN Contact: [email protected] Tuesday Executive Starts at: 19:30:00. . All members welcome to attend our monthly Executive meetings. The venue is School of Arts Meeting Community Centre Hall Meeting Room 201 Cox's Road North Ryde. Walk down the walkway between the Community Centre and the Commonwealth Bank - the meeting room is part way along the right hand side of the building and up the 2nd ramp. Come and see how Bike North is run. Enjoy the fun of the meeting, and get a feel for what goes on behind the scenes.

7/7/2010 Western Grade: Medium Distance: 70 Pace: relaxed pace Contact: Bob Chambers 9449 9112 Wednesday Wander Starts at: 08:30:00. Meadowbank Wharf. Ride via M4 c/p and Rail Trail to explore Prospect canal routes. Coffee at Abbotsbury.

10/7/2010 Round (the) Grade: Medium Hard Distance: 72 Pace: moderate pace Contact: Peter Tuft 9144 1325 Saturday Corner to Starts at: 08:30:00. cnr. Derriwong Rd and Old Northern Rd. A scenic route through areas of varying landusein Windsor Sydney's outer fringe, some short hills to test the legs. Call to confirm

10/7/2010 Three Grade: Hard Distance: 75 Pace: special pace brisk Contact: Doug Stewart 9874 5594 Saturday Gorges Pies Starts at: 08:00:00. special start Turramurra Station, East side. Hard, hilly ride through Galston Gorge, Arcadia, Berowra Waters to Pie in The Sky for coffee. Return via Bobbin Head to Hornsby.

10/7/2010 A to C and Grade: Medium Distance: 30 Pace: relaxed pace Contact: Graeme Edwards 9436 0969 Saturday Back Starts at: 08:00:00. Artarmon Station, East side. Hilly ride to Balmoral and Middle Head. After coffee at Chowder Bay return to Artarmon.

11/7/2010 Carlingford Grade: Easy Medium Distance: 20 Pace: gentle pace Contact: Darryn Capes-Davis 0406 380 862 Sunday Rail Starts at: 09:00:00. Carlingford Station. Ride from Carlingford Station to Parramatta Park via Oatlands. Return via Rydalmere following Carlingford railway line back to Carlingford Station

11/7/2010 Concord for Grade: Easy Distance: 28 Pace: gentle pace Contact: Debbie Edwards 9436 0969 Sunday Cake Starts at: 08:00:00. Meadowbank Wharf. Ride along the PVC over Silverwater bridge to Olympic Park, then on to Concord for coffee. Return a different way.

13/7/2010 Ryde Contact: [email protected] Tuesday Hunters Hill Starts at: 19:30:00. . Advocacy at work. Good tea and coffee. Good company. A meeting for cyclists in the Ryde area is Meeting held on the second Tuesday of each month. If you have something to say, something to ask for, want to help, or just want updates, come along. Join in to ''make cycling better'' in Ryde. All welcome. Venue : Eastwood Women's Rest Centre, Hillview Rd Eastwood. (Near the station and just behind the Library.)

17/7/2010 Meadowbank Grade: Medium Distance: 50 Pace: moderate pace Contact: Doug Stewart 9874 5594 Saturday to Bobbo Starts at: 08:00:00. Meadowbank Wharf. Hilly ride via Eastwood, Browns Waterhole, Turramurra, & Bobbin Head. Coffee and return. Long climbs and descents.

17/7/2010 Covert Grade: Easy Medium Distance: 24 Pace: gentle pace Contact: Darryn Capes-Davis 0406 380 862 Saturday Operation Starts at: 08:00:00. Epping Station, East side. Ride via Macquarie Uni and Epping Rd bicycle path to Lane Cove. Return via North Ryde

19/7/2010 Hornsby Contact: Alan corven Monday area Starts at: 19:30:00. . Held at the Blue Gum hotel (for the moment). Discussion of various advocacy issues affecting the advocacy Hornsby Council area. All welcome to come along and put your suggestions forward, and hopefully take an active part in meeting improving cycling facilities in Hornsby shire.

21/7/2010 Summer Hill Grade: Medium Distance: 35 Pace: relaxed pace Contact: Bob Chambers 9449 9112 Wednesday Circle Starts at: 08:30:00. Meadowbank Wharf. Ride via Concord, Five Dock, c/p. Coffee at Summer Hill then complete the loop via Cooks R c/w.

24/7/2010 Olympic Grade: Easy Distance: 25 Pace: special pace relaxed Contact: Doug Stewart 9874 5594 Saturday Park Ride Starts at: 08:30:00. Meadowbank Wharf. Loop around Homebush Bay with a coffee stop. Suitable for beginners and children OVER 12 accompanied by an adult carer.

25/7/2010 Manly Dam Grade: Medium Distance: 40 Pace: gentle pace Contact: Joan Kerridge 99098925 Sunday Starts at: 10:00:00. St Leonards Station, concourse. Ride via Spit, Wakehurst Pkwy, down Allambie Hts to Manly Dam. Ret via Balgowlah for coffee before returning to start. Bring a Picnic Lunch

25/7/2010 Hills and Grade: Hard Distance: 80 Pace: special pace fast Contact: Malcolm Hart 9713 1994 Sunday Surfside Starts at: 07:30:00. Eastwood Station, East side. Ride to Pymble, St Ives, Oxford Falls & Narrabeen. Return via Warriewood, Church Point, Terrey Hills & Turramurra. Fit & experienced riders only.

31/7/2010 North to Grade: Medium Hard Distance: 91 Pace: special pace moderate Contact: Robyn Tuft 9144 1325 Saturday West Head Starts at: 07:30:00. special start Turramurra Station, East side. Hilly ride via Browns w/h, Terrey Hills, West Head, Akuna Bay (coffee). Return a similar route.

31/7/2010 Berowra Hill Grade: Medium Distance: 30 Pace: relaxed pace Contact: Darryn Capes-Davis 0406 380 862 Saturday Climb Starts at: 08:00:00. Hornsby Park, opposite Coronation St, near pool. Ride from Hornsby along Pacific Highway to Berowra. Head down to Berowra Waters and climb back up again.